🔗 Share this article

Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.